Gary Lineker allegedly told a reporter to ‘f**k off’ when quizzed on his Match of the Day future.
Rumours, which the BBC have since played down, suggested that staff within the broadcaster had become privy to an email that would announce his departure.
Lineker is the host of Match of the Day, a role he first took on back in 1999, while he’s also the BBC’s highest-paid presenter.
But the former footballer was, it seems, in no mood to discuss his future when asked by the Daily Mail.
The newspaper says Lineker told a reporter to ‘f**k off’, that he wouldn’t talk to them and they should ‘go away’ when confronted outside his home in south-west London.
Lineker’s contract with the BBC is due to expire next summer, meaning MOTD could have a new host within the next 12 months.
The BBC have released a statement addressing the situation, saying: “We have nothing to announce, and we have not agreed next steps with regard to his contract.”
They also added: “He is under contract until the end of the season.”
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If Lineker does leave his role as MOTD host, however, then there are several names in the frame to take over.
Jermaine Jenas had initially been the favourite, only for the former midfielder to be axed by the Beeb back in August.
Jenas was accused of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ by two female members of staff. He later admitted to making ‘mistakes’ and is currently spending time working on his marriage to wife Ellie Penfold.
Mark Chapman is now the favourite to replace Lineker in the event of any potential departure.
Chapman has hosted MOTD 2 over the years and, therefore, would be viewed as the natural fit.
Gabby Logan has been linked as well, having been with the Beeb ever since 2007.
She has covered World Cups, Champions League and Premier League matches in the years since.
And Alex Scott is an outside bet for the role, despite Football Focus coming in for criticism since she replaced Dan Walker in 2021.
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Meanwhile, a source last month claimed that Lineker was in talks with the BBC about potentially staying on.
It was also said that he’d offered to take a pay cut, too.
The insider told The Sun: “Gary is hugely popular with both fans and players alike.
“The sense is that, with so much uncertainty and scandal at the BBC, right now viewers are crying out for a safe pair of hands.
“Gary adores the BBC, and loves his job, and recognises what an honour it is to host television’s flagship football show, as well as international games.
“Gary has long maintained that the BBC provides excellent value for money – and has quite literally put his money where his mouth is, and offered to take a substantial pay cut.”
